To what extent did diplomacy affect the rise of the modern state from 1648 to 1815? The modern state was sovereign; therefore, internally it exercised its authority, within clearly defined and internationally recognized territorial borders, there was no authority higher than the State. Externally, state sovereignty indicated that other states recognized its authority within its borders and accepted that it could represent its citizens in international affairs. (Graeme Gill) The modern state was centralized and bureaucratically organized. Its legal administration as well as its administrative staff were controlled by regulations. Its offices were structured according to a defined orientation line. Through their organization, the modern state projected its power into society, exercised direct control over its population, and controlled its territory. Even if its structure, if we compare it to the structures of our States today, was not well balanced; however, it was prepared during this period to make the changes that diplomacy made in its structure that would affect their rise between 1648 and 1815. Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations, or the skill to manage affairs without arousing hostility (Merriam-Webster.) Diplomacy had effectively affected the rise of the modern state between 1648 and 1715. The first change made was the Treaty of Westphalia, which allowed the state to operate significant transformations in its structure. The Treaty of Westphalia had allowed "the signatories of the treaties to be perpetually free, to make alliances with foreigners for their preservation or security, and each of the contracting parties to this treaty shall be bound to defend a...... middle of paper.. ....ending the thirty years of war with the Treaty of Westphalia which had brought peace for many years and transformed the structures of the States. It was also used by French diplomats to fill the deficit in the French economy. Diplomatic efforts were made to raise capital abroad through trade in order to rebuild its economy. This important function will continue to develop in Europe. Additionally, diplomatic efforts were made with Russia to obtain permission for American ships to sail in their Black Sea and to maintain close relations with them to promote trade. It was also the ideal element used by Adams to free ships seized by the Danes as well as the French and the British. Finally, diplomacy, by protecting the State and its trade, facilitated its expansion, and had also played an important role in the development of capitalism. in the modern state.